During a recent appearance on CNBC, Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis, described chronic kidney disease (CKD) in pets as a “significant unmet medical need”. She emphasized that CKD affects 80% of cats by age 13 and 10% of older dogs, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatments to improve kidney function and quality of life. This blog explores how Fortetropin with Green-Lipped Mussel may help manage CKD-related muscle loss in pets.
CKD and Its Impact on Muscle Health:
CKD is not just a kidney issue; it profoundly affects muscle health due to:
- Muscle Loss (Sarcopenia/Cachexia): CKD disrupts protein metabolism, leading to muscle wasting.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Reduced appetite causes pets to burn muscle tissue for energy.
- Potassium Imbalance: Excess potassium loss weakens muscles.
Chronic Inflammation: This accelerates muscle breakdown and hinders repair.
Maintaining muscle mass is crucial for mobility, strength, and overall well-being in pets with CKD.
The Role of Fortetropin: Backed by Science
Fortetropin, derived from fertilized chicken egg yolks, is a supplement proven to combat muscle loss. A clinical trial at North Carolina State University showed that Fortetropin increased lean muscle mass in 70% of cats with CKD over 12 weeks without adverse effects. Importantly, it did not negatively impact kidney parameters like BUN or creatinine levels.
Fortetropin works by reducing myostatin, a protein that inhibits muscle growth. This may be important for CKD patients who need to preserve muscle while adhering to low-protein diets.
Green-Lipped Mussel: Nature’s Omega-3 Powerhouse.
Green-Lipped Mussels (GLM) from New Zealand are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, and the rare ETA. These omega-3s provide:
- Anti-inflammatory Benefits: ETA reduces inflammation at the genetic level, which may alleviate CKD-related inflammation.
- Improved Bioavailability: GLM omega-3s are more easily absorbed than fish oil, ensuring maximum efficacy.
- Sustainability: GLMs are eco-friendly compared to overfished sources like krill or fish oil.
Incorporating GLM into CKD care may help reduce inflammation and support joint and cellular health.
Why This Combination Matters
The synergy between Fortetropin and Green-Lipped Mussel offers a dual approach:
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Fortetropin preserves and builds lean muscle mass critical for mobility and quality of life.
Green-Lipped Mussel combats inflammation and provides essential fatty acids for overall health.
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Together, these supplements address both the muscular and inflammatory challenges of CKD.
Conclusion
Addressing CKD in pets requires innovative solutions. Combining Fortetropin’s muscle-building properties with the anti-inflammatory benefits of Green-Lipped Mussels could transform how we manage CKD. This approach may both improve muscle but also enhances overall well-being, giving our beloved pets a better quality of life despite their diagnosis.